We had the good fortune of connecting with April Mays Rhodes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I have two quotes. 1. Keep your mind on God, He will direct your path. Proverbs 3:6 This scripture is my mantra in my life’s journey. In all things I will keep my mind on God and acknowledge him. He guides me in all areas of my life. He guides me and removes all obstacles in my path. A quick story: In 2022, I was having a period of insomina. I have been told at times when you cannot sleep you either are stressed or God is telling you something. I knew I wasn’t stressed, so one night, I said okay, God what are you telling me? HE said write a book! That morning, I was so excited, I told my son what God revealed to me and my son said, “Mom, I was getting ready to call you to tell you, you should write a book.” (confirmation). That was the beginning of my author journey.

My second, affirmation is “I am a product of my products”. In each book I write, course I create, speaking engagement, coaching session, there is a part of me. A direct or indirect life experience.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Life is a Mays, LLC Assisting individuals in building skills to increase their emotional, mental, physical and safety awareness through publishing, courses, and workshops. Motto: Empowering you to navigate life’s maze with personal development Life is a Mays offers phyiscal and digital books, coaching packages, courses, workshops, and speaking engagements..

What sets you apart from others? I like to say our speciality is assisting women who are in the sisterhood of motherhood and the youth navigate life’s maze with skill building and personal development.

What you are most proud of or excited about? I am proud of what I have accomplished in a year of being an author and speaker. I have been featured on multiple podcast, I have been featured in Forbes One, New York New Times, American Tribune, and Destiny Chasers Magazine. I am a 2023 Book Profits Club Author Allstars.

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? Believe it or not, I am an introvert. Coming out of my shell was hard. I thank God for blessing me with my son who constantly encourages me to step out of my comfort zone. My son was my confirmation to write a book, then he encouraged me to create courses, then he encouraged me to become a speaker, etc. He keeps me up to date on the marketing trends (marketing is very different from 10 years ago). To market my brand, I had to become more active on social media (I only joined Instagram for the verses battles). lol Now I use Instagram, facebook, and LinkedIn to market my brand. I engage in more networking and collaborations.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way? A big lesson, I have learned is everyone should not have access to you! My path is my path and everyone cannot come on this journey! There are jealous people even within your own circle who will not support your business or you. Note: your inner circle may not be your audience for your business and that is okay, your audience is out there waiting for you to be the answer to their problems!

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? I am my brand, I am a product of my products!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Visit the campuses of North Carolina A & T, Bennett College, International Civil Rights Center & Museum and Stephanie’s Restaurant in Greensboro, NC

Visit the campuses of North Carolina Central University, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, Shaw University, and St. Aug University in the Triangle

Paint and Sip at Melanated Wine and more wine tasting at the Wine Cellar in Durham

Visit Pullen Park in Raleigh

A meal or two at Dame’s Chicken and Waffels in Cary, Durham, or Greensboro

Visit Perkins Orchard in Durham for fruit, vegitables, cider and to support area farmers and businesses.

A pedicure, detox, reflexology and foot massage at Relax Foot Spa in Brier Creek, while in Brier Creek engage in retail therapy and visit the Beer Garden

Visit my hairstylist Wendy Holland at Selfishly Spoiled in Cary, NC

Check out a show or two at the DPAC or Raleigh Improv

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My son, Shondale Rhodes my heart and inspiration! My mother, A. Gwen Johnson
Louise Hutcherson, my angel
My grandmother, Eva Johnson
Wendy Holland, the BEST hair stylist in the Triangle
Mentors: Dr. Paula Newman, Dr. Shade Adu, and Taurea Avant
The ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Website: www.lifeisamays.com

Instagram: aprilmaysrhodes

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutNorthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.